1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1984 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1984 Opel Rekord. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1984 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 595 kg more than 1984 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Opel Rekord. (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1984 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
